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2000 Acres of Sky in South West Scotland

2000 Acres of Sky in South West Scotland

You don't get much further off the beaten track than the far South West corner of Scotland.

If you're travelling by car trun off the M6 just over the border and head for Stranraer, it's just over 100 rather lovely miles to the west. If you're on public transport then you can arrive at Stranraer by train or ferry and then hop onto a local bus.

Once in Stranraer you need to head south and basically keep going till you feet get wet.

You'll now find yourself on the western side of Luce Bay with views of the Isle of Man and all the way down to Cumbria on a clear day. There are various campsites dotted around the peninsula, a smattering of B&Bs and the occasional hotel where you can rest your head for the night.

So what is there to see in this remote corner of bonny Scotland?

Well for starters there's the sky. Dumfries and Galloway is home to one of the very few "Dark Sky Parks" and although this little corner is technically outside the park, you will see some amazing night skies - British weather permitting of course.

The last time we visited we were blessed with clear night skies and the Milky Way could clearly be seen arcing high over head making us feel very small indeed.

During the day you can visit the Mull of Galloway; the most Southerly point in Scotland.

Here you'll find an RSPB outpost, usually staffed by someone only too happy to help you get to grips with the local wildlife and general history of the area. Sat on the cliffs above the bay we've watched a wonderful assortment of birds plus harbour porpoises and grey seals diving around in the sea beneath us.

There's also a working lighthouse to explore and a rather excellent cafe choc full of fabulous home made cakes and other goodies to sustain the weary traveler.

A few miles north of there and you're into Port Logan, whose original name was Port Nessock meaning "inlet of the noses" a reference to the face that this tiny village is tucked away between two headlands.

Port Logan is a pretty little seaside village and I'll be honest, there isn't a lot there, but that's the beauty of the place. Just a few dozen houses, a lovely little harbour and the time and space to unwind and enjoy the views.

It does have a claim to fame as being the location for the BBC TV series "2000 Acres of Sky" which was set on an island near Skye but was actually filmed in tiny Port Logan and the occasional tourist bus still manages to find its way down there.

In addition to the attractions above there are plenty of wonderful walks and fairly gentle cycling routes or, if you want something a little less demanding, there's an assortment of gardens to potter around and the magnificent Port Logan Botanical Gardens which dates back to 1900 and contains a surprising array of tropical plants.